Olymel will permanently close its plant located in Saint-Hyacinthe, resulting in the layoff of 107 people.
This facility was primarily intended for pork rendering, storage and packing operations. Already in July, Olymel had announced its decision to reduce its packaging activities there. The plant will remain in operation until February 10, 2023.
“Closing the Saint-Hyacinthe plant is part of the difficult, but necessary and responsible measures for the fresh pork sector to return to the path of profitability after having suffered the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for two years. , labor shortages, market uncertainty and several other factors that make up an unfavorable economic situation,” Olymel President and CEO Yanick Gervais said in a press release on Thursday.
“I would like to greet and thank the 107 employees affected by this decision and assure them that everything will be done so that they can, through the relocation, continue their careers within the company in the best possible conditions. “, he added.
A month ago, the company specializing in pork slaughter and processing announced the elimination of 177 management positions in Quebec out of a total of 800. Among them, 120 had been vacant for a few months already, while 57 were always busy. This decision was then justified by “unpredictable market conditions and the need to put the company in a better position to face the future”.